The city had a vacancy in their industrial area for more than 20 years and was looking for candidates, Mayor Gary Richardson said. Dunn Construction approached Midfield to fill the space about a month ago.

Construction workers renovate a long-vacant property that will become a new Dunn Construction plant in Midfield, Ala., on Friday, June 2, 2014. (Photo by Alexandra Scoville)

The new plant will produce the materials needed to make roof shingles and will add 15-25 jobs to the community.

Dunn Construction currently has a building permit from Midfield so they renovate the old property. They will soon present a business license application.

At first, the Midfield City Council was concerned about possible environmental issues, Richardson said. Councilman Jimmy Robinson in particular was worried about the plant.

"We want to make sure the people are aware, it's important that they be aware," Robinson said. "We want our communities to be protected."

However, Dunn Construction reassured Midfield that the plant would create minimal pollution.

"The product they're bringing in does not require any discharge into streets or allow for any burning that would put pollutants into the air," Richardson said.

Midfield City Clerk and Treasurer Tameeka Vann echoed Richardson. The new plant will only be grinding, not burning, materials, Vann said. Those roof shingle materials will also not come in contact with any waterlines or be emitted as smoke in the air.

"They've made every precaution to not only protect their employees, but the community," Vann said.

Dunn Construction representatives did not return multiple calls for comment.

The job creation and the increased traffic from trains and trucks bringing in materials to the plant will help the city's economy, Richardson said.